The legislation plans to upgrade workers' rights and tackle poor working conditions. It will also end the "exploitative" zero hours contracts and fire and rehire practices whilst establishing rights to bereavement and parental leave from day one.
Other measures can be found here: Government unveils significant reforms to employment rights
Commenting on the Employment Rights Bill Stephen Phipson CEO of Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation said:
“The publication of the Bill and implementation timetable will help to give manufacturers greater clarity about this significant overhaul of employment law.
We support the Government’s efforts to eradicate exploitative labour market practices where they exist, but it is crucial that this is balanced so businesses can operate flexible workforces and recruit the people they so badly need. The legislation begins to set out how this balance might be struck, but getting the detail right is the critical next step of the process.
Our engagement with the Government and trade unions on the new legislation has been wide-ranging and productive. From the outset of those discussions, we have been clear that this process should not be rushed, giving the Government enough time to ensure there are no unintended consequences and businesses enough time to prepare for the changes to come into effect.
Government has provided a clear outline for further consultation as the details are refined, with the promise of no changes before 2026. This is a positive sign that the Government is listening to our concerns and we look forward to continuing our constructive dialogue and ensuring our members’ views are heard.”
Professor Mike Capaldi, Chair of the Driving the Electric Revolution Industrialisation Centres (DER-IC), said: DER-IC welcomes the Industrial Strategy Green Paper’s focus on advanced manufacturing and clean energy as key to future economic resilience. Power Electronics, Machines, and Drives (PEMD) play a crucial role in these sectors, from transportation to energy generation and industrial systems. Our partnerships demonstrate the value of collaboration between academia and industry, accelerating the commercialisation of technologies, reducing risks, and improving time to market for critical products. As the strategy develops, we hope to see PEMD recognised as a vital growth sector. With targeted support for strategic networks like DER-IC, the UK can enhance its innovation, strengthen supply chains, and secure global competitiveness by fostering relationships between academia and industry. DER-IC looks forward to contributing to this ambition."
